The U.S. natural gas rig count fell two units to 160 for the week ended Friday (Sept. 23), while a three-rig increase in the oil patch pushed the combined domestic tally one unit higher overall to 764, according to updated numbers from Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

rig count

The combined 764 active U.S. rigs as of Friday represents a 243-rig increase over year-earlier levels, according to the BKR numbers, which are partly based on data from Enverus.

Total land drilling was unchanged week/week, while the Gulf of Mexico added one rig overall to raise its total to 15. Vertical drilling increased by two rigs, while one directional rig was added for the period. Partially offsetting was a two-rig decline in horizontal drilling, the BKR data show.

The Canadian rig count climbed four units for the...